What is malar edema? - Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

The goal of advanced injectors using modern dermal fillers is volume restoration and contour augmentation. Mid-face dermal filler injections have been shown to be effective in numerous studies. But filler treatment is most likely to cause problems in the midface, especially in the infraorbital hollow. A serious and persistent adverse event, malar edema is frequently observed.

Patients who have malar edema or festoons frequently complain about having exceedingly big eye bags and are dissatisfied with how they look. Festoons can occasionally interfere with a patient's peripheral vision in more serious situations. In order to pinpoint the root cause of festoons and malar edema, a thorough consultation is essential. 

What is malar edema?

Edema that develops over the malar eminence is medically referred to as malar edema. The symptoms can be mild to severe, and they tend to get worse in the morning or after eating salty foods. Reduced lymphatic drainage, filler injections to the central midface to treat the tear trough and infraorbital hollow, and other causes can all contribute to this condition.

Definition

Malar edema is a physiological condition that occurs as a result of impaired lymphatic drainage from a specific region. Fluid builds up over the malar eminence of the cheek, and the symptoms are most severe in the morning or after eating anything salty. Malar edema can be brought on by allergies, lying on your stomach, and getting older.

Symptoms

Malar edema is a condition that is manifested by swelling of the malar bags, which are mounds that occur immediately behind the outer corner of the eye, on the top of the cheekbone. Malar edema can be caused by a variety of factors. Malar edema is characterized by puffiness around the eyes, an aged appearance, and vision difficulties. The malar bag may occasionally enlarge due to fluid retention. Sun exposure, smoking, the aging process, and heredity may also be contributing factors.

Causes

Malar bags, often referred to as malar mounds, are swelling mounds that form at the intersection of the lower eyelids and upper cheekbones. The precise reason behind malar bags is difficult to pin down due to the fact that there are so many components involved, but they can be traced back to things like prolonged exposure to the sun, smoking, the natural aging process, heredity, tissue atrophy, fluid retention, and gravity. Malar edema, or swelling just above the cheekbones, is common in older adults and is often aggravated by salty foods or first thing in the morning. 

Treatment

In order to minimize wrinkles and re-establish facial fullness, fillers are frequently employed. In order to create volume and fill out the area around the festoon, Doctor may recommend utilizing fillers. However,  Fillers are inappropriate if a patient simply has malar bags and no other aging signs around their eyes. Fillers can only be used to fill in grooves and make festoons look smoother when more than one problem is present.

Some doctors recommend laser skin resurfacing as a way to alleviate malar bags by addressing the festoon's sagging skin. Additionally, fluid retention surrounding the malar bag might be diminished with laser skin resurfacing.